Affiliations: [a] Waikato District Health Board, Hamilton, New Zealand | [b]
Department of Medicine, University of Otago, DunedinNew Zealand
| [c]
Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| [d]
Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Science, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| [e]
Department of Psychological Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
Correspondence:
[*]
Correspondence to: Etuini Ma’u, Peter Rothwell Academic Centre, Waikato Clinical Campus, University of Auckland, Private Bag 3200, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. Tel.: +64 7 8398750; E-mail: etuini.ma’u@auckland.ac.nz.
Abstract: Background:There is limited epidemiological research on the incidence of young onset dementia (YOD). Estimates of YOD incidence in New Zealand are extrapolated from international studies that do not reflect New Zealand’s population and ethnic diversity. Objective:To determine the incidence of YOD in the geographical area served by the Waikato District Health Board Methods: All new inpatient and outpatient in the age range 30–64 years with a documented diagnosis of dementia at Waikato Hospital between 1 January 2014 –31 December 2016 were identified. Incidence rates were calculated by 5-year age-band, sex, and ethnicity. Results:64 incident cases of YOD were included. Incidence rates for all cause YOD were 13.3 (95% CI 10.3–17.0) and 22.7 (95% CI 17.5–29.1) per 100,000 person-years in the age range 30–64 years and 45–64 years respectively. The incidence rate in Māori (20.0, 95% CI 11.4–32.4) was higher compared to non-Māori (12.0, 95% CI 8.9–15.9), but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.09). Conclusion:The incidence of YOD in this study is similar to global estimates. Incidence may be higher in Māori compared to non-Māori, highlighting the need for culturally appropriate approaches to dementia prevention, intervention, and care.
Keywords: Epidemiology, incidence, New
Zealand, young onset dementia
